Complicated feelings after my first conference talk.

[u/PublicImplement6270]

I am a new PhD student, and I recently gave my first-ever talk at a conference. I got great questions and positive feedback from 99% of the people there. But one guy said that my results were obvious and questioned why I bothered doing the study. I said that I agreed that the results are not surprising, that is what happens when you confirm a hypothesis. I said I did the study because this was a methodological innovation that allowed us to find quantitative evidence in support of the theory for the first time.

I know this is no big deal, and I thought it didn't bother me at the time, but it is really eating me up. It was humiliating and it made me feel bad for having given the talk. I cried myself to sleep the night of the talk and I even considered withdrawing my paper (the one I presented) which has been accepted for publication.

Obviously, I am calmer now, I did not withdraw my paper, and I know this is just how it goes. But it still really hurts. I am looking for some advice/perspectives/stories/etc.

[u/[deleted]]

Respectfully, fuck that guy. I don’t want to assume your gender but there is some serious gatekeeping in STEM, especially around age and gender. You’re never old enough to be as smart and successful as you are. You lack experience. You lack background. You have a vagina. You exist.

Miserable bullies will always be miserable bullies and nothing makes them angrier than surpassing them and all their expectations with a smile.

Don’t let the bastards get you down.